70 pages • 2 hours read
Margaret AtwoodThe Blind Assassin
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood intertwines three narratives: Iris Chase Griffen’s memoir recounting her troubled family history, a novel-within-a-novel originally attributed to her deceased sister Laura but actually penned by Iris, and a story set in the fantastical city of Sakiel-Norn told by lovers in Laura's novel. The narratives explore themes of love, loss, and the complex interplay between personal and familial legacy. The book includes sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, mental health struggles, and untimely deaths.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin commend its intricate narrative structure and rich, layered storytelling. Readers appreciate the blending of genres and compelling characters. Some find it dense and challenging, with pacing issues in parts. Overall, it is hailed as a thought-provoking and masterfully crafted novel that rewards patient readers.
Who Should Read The Blind Assassin?
Lovers of intricate narratives and multi-layered storytelling will relish The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Fans of novels like The Handmaid's Tale and Atonement by Ian McEwan, which explore complex characters and intertwined plots, will find this blend of historical fiction and literary drama captivating.